Srinagar, May 25: The pedestrians as well the commuters had a free and smooth passage on footpaths and roads in Lal chowk and other adjacent market places as vendors have been banned to work in the city.

The drive against the street vendors was taken by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Traffic, Basant Rath.
Pedestrian, who had been demanding for decades freeing of footpaths from encroachers, moved on footpaths without jostling for space.

The street vendors had occupied footpaths in Lalchowk from Srinagar’s press enclave to Jahangir Chowk.
Locals hailed the IGP for taking this step, saying that the action against the vendors bought relief among them.

“It is an encouraging step from IGP Basant Rath as for the first time we had a free walk in the City centre,” said a group of pedestrians, adding that the department should not make it a one-day show-off. (KNS)